At sunset, thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes return to the roost along the Platte River in central Nebraska. Video: Michael Forsberg

Water Management Is a Key Conservation Concern

Audubon and its partners will engage the public on water-management and water-quality issues; restore habitats on rivers, wetlands, and deltas; and explore market-based solutions that contribute to achieving our water goals.

What We’ll Do; Who We’ll Reach

We have a clear idea of what milestones we’ll need to reach to effectively influence water-management policies and protect lake and river habitats. Here’s a snapshot.

250,000
People engaged in advocacy on water conservation measures

25,000
Households participating in a native habitat/xeriscaping program designed to reduce water consumption by 300 million gallons

Working With Local Partners to Craft Water Policy

Strengthen the Audubon network of members and partners to advance balanced water-management decisions that benefit birds, habitat, and people. Seventy-five chapters and 10 Audubon sanctuaries and nature centers will engage in advocacy, education, and on-the-ground actions.

Focusing on Sustainable Water Goals

Audubon will work with international, federal, and state policy actions that ensure adequate flows to critical ecosystems, including the Colorado River Delta, the Salton Sea, the Mississippi River and Delta, the Great Lakes, and the Greater Everglades. In particular, Audubon will lobby for a 20 percent increase in federal and state funding or incentives to enhance water management and restoration action.

Sandhill Crane. Photo: Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

Understanding the Issues Around Water

Audubon will expand our knowledge of water needs for birds and other wildlife, and establish a solid foundation of information on the impacts of water scarcity and water pollution on birds.

In 2014, following a Mexico–U.S. treaty, the Colorado River reaches the sea for the first time in years. Photo: Pete McBride

Mexico

Focusing on Water Issues in Mexico

We will help develop and advance market-based mechanisms to provide flexibility in water-management decisions. We will expand international partnerships to address water issues on a hemispheric scale, such as in the delta region of the Colorado River in Mexico.

Managing Vital Water Resources

Audubon is honing its focus on water at a really important time. We have an opportunity to help restructure the way in which water is managed. Audubon brings a potent combination of factors to the table: technical experts that can address specific problems, and a highly motivated grassroots network that brings the force of public will to an issue.